VIVA MARTINEZ-LUNA

2009-11-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

Con Mucho Amor.

Found Object: Side A

2009-10-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

Here are the Side A drawings. They were done last week but it took a few days to get around to post them.

I am trying to nail down some subject matter for a larger series of work. The 100 drawing series helped with material and these last twenty one helped with layout and proportions. All that is holding me up is the subject matter.

I really would like to post the progress of the work so you can see how things develop and not just the end product.

Stay tuned.

Found Object: Side B

2009-10-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

Well, it always seems that B sides are rare but supposedly not as good as the A Side otherwise it would be the A Side. In this case, Side B won and Molly won the drawing to get a drawing or something cool from me. Congrats Molly!

These are 10 drawings I did of Side B. They don't actually exist anymore because they were just assembled, photographed and then rearranged to make the next drawing.

And come back because later this week I will have ten drawings of Side A. Don't want Side A to feel left out! But in the meantime, send me a note and tell me which one of these ten you like best.

Back to the Drawing Board: Found Objects

2009-10-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

I purpose a little experiment. I found this lovely and fragile little object while walking Pugnacious D.O.G. the other day. I want to use it in a drawing but can't decide which side of it I like better. So, I need your help in deciding. Which side do you like better, Side A or Side B. Let me know. Anyone who submits will be entered in a drawing to get something special from me.

Is that incentive enough?

Side A

Side B

Jinx Art Show

2009-09-23T17:42:00.000-07:00

Alright, it has been awhile since my confes...I mean post. The show at Jinx Art Space has gone up and is near time to come down. The opening weekend was very hectic. I was late to my own opening because I got a flat tire on the drive in and my, not-nearly-as-flat, stomach was running on empty. So, after changing a tire and filling up my stomach at Casa Que Pasa, I made it to the reception and found out I missed seeing some people. My apologies to those that came out but I did not get to see. And my gratefulness to those that did come out. It was nice to see my family and friends that I don't get to see very often, especially, my most favorite aunt, Aunt Midge. Who drove down all the way from Canada with her family. I don't thank her enough for all her support.

I also forgot my camera. Luckily my wonderful wife didn't forget hers and remembered to snap a couple of shots of the work. There are five drawings that were part of the 100 drawings in 100 days and three new pieces. All of my Grandmother, Elida Luna.

CLEAR AS KRYSTAL

2009-09-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

"My life's in jeopardy. Murdered in cold blood is what I'm gonna be. I ain't been home since Friday night and now MY WIFE is comin' after me."

My wonderfully beautiful and lovely wife now has her own blog, Clear As Krystal. Be sure to click on over and check it out. I'm sure she will inspire you as much as she inspires me. Thanks, Sugar!

ART SHOW OPENING

2009-09-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

Just want to remind everyone that I have a show opening this Friday the 4th of September in Bellingham, Washington. It is a group show with some very talented people that I am glad to be showing with and even happier to be friends with. If you don't have any plans or if you have plans, skip them!, and come out to see an art show and stay for some free live music from Language Arts and The Daffodils.

The art show begins at 6:00 and the music at 10:00 at the JINX ART SPACE at 306 Flora Street in downtown Bellingham.

New Show in Bellingham

2009-08-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

I have an upcoming show in Bellingham, Washington at the Jinx Art Space on 306 Flora Street just up the block from the Whatcom Museum of Art. I'm very excited to be exhibiting some new work so close to my home town.

Entitled "The Portrait Show", it will consists of work from 5 different artists. And, later in the evening, I believe beginning around 10:00, there will be live music from the Daffodils and Language Arts.

Please come out on Friday, September 4th. The gallery opens at 4:00. The Friday night art walk commences at 6:00. I hope to see you there!

On a different but related topic, last night I went to Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School. I haven't drawn from a live model in some time so this was a great opportunity to get my arm moving and make some marks. And, after few gin and tonics, my joints were lubricated. So, to wet your whistle for the Portrait Show in Bellingham here are just a few of the results from last night.

Muy Triste

2009-08-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

My very good friend, Laurel sadly had to say good-bye to her precious cat, Hutch. Hutch was a very loyal friend and will be missed by a lot of people. My heart goes out to you, Laurel.

Art Lesson #101: Yo Quiero Fun but Serious Artwork

2009-07-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

A couple of quick ideas. I recently heard on the radio that the Taco Bell Chihuahua recently pasted away, so sad. Here are a couple of adds that Taco Bell may have passed up on.

I'll leave you with this short story...I was walking in downtown Seattle last night when a woman passed me on the street. She had a dog in her cleavage! My curiosity got the best of me so I stopped the lady to ask what kind of dog it was. She replied a Chi-Chihuahua!

DAY 100: The Reward Is In The Doing Of It.

2009-07-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

It is done. 100 drawings, 100 days. But don't worry. It isn't over yet. I may take a day or two off from the drawing and posting but I'll be back shortly. I've created great momentum drawing from what use to be a sketchy habit. But, I think I've illustrated to myself that if I pencil in the time to do it, it gets done. And, that is my reward.

Thank you to all those friends who helped in the beginning by requesting their own free drawing and a thank you to everyone who checks out the blog. I appreciate your interest in what I am doing.

Here is drawing 100. It again, like yesterdays, is a bit bigger but when I scanned it I ended up liking the little portion more than the whole. So, I think I leave it at that.

Do keep checking back. I am working on putting the 100 drawings into a book. It will a nice little present to see the progression from day 1 to day 100.

Day 99: Elida Luna

2009-07-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

Only one more day left to reach 100 days of consecutive drawing. Amazing.

Last nights drawing was slightly larger than the previous 98 and it did not fit on my scanner bed. So, I scanned it anyway and then I quickly photographed it so you can see the full drawing.

I have completed numerous drawings of my family over the years and in particular of my grandmother. In behind the moon is one of those drawings that is now in the collection of a very good patron, Dallene Bracken. It is of my grandmother when she was in Traverse City, Michigan picking cherries. My grandparents and my parents were migrant workers. These are the people that pick your produce for very little pay. I am very grateful for the strength of my family. For my mother and my grandparents, who were able to provide for me more than I could have ever imagined.

Day 96, 97 and 98: Elida Luna

2009-07-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

Aye Dios Mio! Only two more days left! I do not believe it. I was talking to a good friend about the drawings and I don't know what is more shocking that a hundred drawings will have been completed or a 100 days just flew by. I am excited to see what happens Wednesday night, most likely drinking, maybe some drawing, definitely some drinking.

I went home this weekend to visit my grandmother. It was a very nice visit.

Day 95: Las Lunas

2009-07-24T09:50:00.001-07:00

My grandparents again.

Day 94: Las Lunas

2009-07-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

And, this would be my grandmother and grandfather.

E.L + C.L.

Day 93: Elida Luna

2009-07-22T09:30:00.001-07:00

My grandmother again as a very young woman.

Just a quick thought as I near the end of my 100 drawings, practice. I made the conscious realization that drawing is like anything else; to get better at it or even to maintain your skill level you have to practice. Seems pretty common sense but for some reason, for a long time, I didn't do it enough. It should be a daily event like breakfast.

Day 92: Elida Luna

2009-07-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

This is my grandmother. Con mucho amor.

Day 89, 90 & 91: Not Quite Finished.

2009-07-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

I thought I had exhausted the photographs and ideas for this series of drawings. I suppose I was half right. However, I did manage to complete another half used sketch book. Yea, for me!

Tonight I hope to embark on something else for the last nine drawings. Can you believe it? Nine more drawings until 100. Here are this weekends additions.

Alone?

Lost a Piece and Found of Mind

Circling Overhead

Day 88: Termino

2009-07-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

I think I have come to the end of this series...

Day 87: No Mas Trabajo

2009-07-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

This was totally unintentional, a happy accident. I guess it could be the universe trying to tell me something.

Day 86: Dos Dibujos, Dos Elefantes Mas.

2009-07-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

A treat for you and me. I completed two drawings last night. The first one is my regular drawing for the evening. The second one is for a patron who really wanted the first Dos Elefantes drawing that went to my friend Jason. Since it wasn't available I created a new one. Enjoy!

Day 85: It is always sunnier on the other side.

2009-07-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Day 82, 83 & 84: Plus a Bonus Print!

2009-07-13T09:09:00.001-07:00

#82: Insert Bird Here

#83: Pioneer Square

#84: Insert Human Here

BONUS PRINT!

This print was commissioned by my good friend Kyle for his very lovely girlfriend, Cynthia. These are her pooches Topsy and Toby. Happy Birthday Cynthia!

Day 81: Feeling Double

2009-07-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

Feeling much better in regards to where this drawing ended up. My solution to yesterday's doldrums were to cut into, combine and use multiple photographs. Although, still fighting the urge to scrawl, scribble and write. In actuality I wish I had more letter stickers. I really enjoyed the look of the pre-printed and static lettering against the textured charcoal.

Day 80: Cansado

2009-07-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

I have been very sleepy all week. And, as I post this drawing I am very unenthusiastic about it. It seems tired, stuck in a rut. These drawings have to go some where and all the good ones are being sold. I now only have twenty more left to do. I figure I better do something to keep them fresh. Any ideas?